Pandemic Disruption: 2020-2021

The pandemic dramatically altered traditional moving patterns, with peak search months shifting compared to pre-pandemic norms:

• "Residential Moving" peak month shifted from winter (December 2019) to spring (April 2021) during pandemic height, reflecting the sudden exodus from urban centers as remote work became widespread.
• "Moving Company" searches showed a remarkable 34% increase in December 2021 compared to December 2019, suggesting more year-round moving activity as the traditional seasonality became less pronounced.
• "Moving Services" saw the most dramatic seasonal change, with its peak month shifting from December (pre-pandemic) to June (2021), and search volumes increasing by over 30% during normally slow winter months.

Post-Pandemic Stabilization: 2022-2024

As we moved beyond the pandemic disruption, search patterns have begun to stabilize but with notable differences from pre-pandemic norms:

• Summer-Winter Contrast: The ratio between summer and winter search volumes has become more pronounced across all terms. Summer searches now exceed winter searches by 31% in 2024, compared to near parity in 2021.
• Peak Month Variations: While summer months remain dominant, the specific peak months have shown variability:
  
  • Peak shifted from April (2021-2022) to August (2024)
  • There is a consistent June/July peak since 2020
  • There is a mini-peak that has ranged from March to June, suggesting less predictable planning cycles
• Seasonal Amplitude: Industry statistics show the difference between peak and lowest months has moderated since the pandemic. The volume differences aren’t as high as they used to be, and there’s a shift towards multiple smaller peaks alongside the busiest season.

Northeastern States

New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts demographic shows the highest proportion of "moving company" searches, suggesting consumers in these densely populated states may be more likely to seek established, branded moving companies rather than general moving services.

Residential Moving Searches Concentrated in Select Markets

West Virginia, Kansas, and the District of Columbia show higher proportions of "residential moving" searches, potentially indicating markets where consumers are more specific about their residential moving needs.

Mid-Atlantic and Midwest

The District of Columbia, Kansas, Virginia, and Ohio show stronger interest in the broader "moving services" term, which may reflect a preference for comprehensive service offerings beyond just transportation.

When we analyze overall moving-related search interest (combining all three terms), we find high engagement across diverse regions—from Kansas and the District of Columbia to coastal states like New York and Florida. This suggests that the demand for moving services is geographically widespread, though the specific terminology used by potential customers varies by region.

1. Timing Your Marketing Efforts

With clear seasonal patterns established, moving companies should adjust their marketing budgets accordingly:

• Ramp up digital marketing efforts starting in February
• Maintain strong presence during peak summer months
• Consider special promotions to stimulate demand during winter slumps

2. Optimizing for Regional Search Preferences

Moving companies should tailor their SEO and PPC strategies based on regional preferences:

• Northeastern markets: Focus on "moving company" keywords
• Mid-Atlantic regions: Incorporate more "moving services" terminology
• Adjust local content to reflect the specific terms most used in each market

3. Preparing for Recovery Growth

The positive growth trends in 2024 suggest the market is entering a recovery phase after the post-pandemic adjustment. Companies should prepare for increased demand by:

• Ensuring CRM systems like Supermove are fully optimized to handle growing lead volumes
• Building capacity in anticipation of continued growth
• Investing in customer experience to capitalize on the expanding market

4. Learning from Pandemic-Era Shifts

The dramatic shifts during 2020-2021 demonstrate how quickly consumer behavior can change. Moving companies with robust data systems and analytics capabilities will be better positioned to identify and adapt to future market shifts in real-time demand.

1. Economic Tailwinds: A Housing Market Recovery

Many forecast brighter days for the moving industry, driven by the economy, housing market recovery, and potential changes in administration. Movers anticipate an uptick in housing activity, creating opportunities for those prepared to scale, while recognizing the need to remain adaptable to policy, cost of living, and market fluctuations.

“Conditions are set for growth in 2025 as mortgage interest rates move lower, builders add more homes to the market, and existing home inventory increases. While there are policy risks ahead, a housing market recovery is in view.”

Dr. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist
Washington, DC
National Association of Home Builders

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"I think it’s going to be a bit better, but I don’t think it’s going to be dramatic. The interest rates are going to have to get down to the low 6’s to get people to move. I think we still have a problem of having more movers than customers actually moving. I think we have to be smarter and more aggressive. You have to be able to adapt to the new world."

Ted Cotter, Owner
Reseda, CA
Inside Moves Relocation Services

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"We’re already starting to get calls about moves next year so we’re focusing on getting them on the books now. We didn’t see this at all last year so I think peak season is going to be heavy!"

‍Corey Diaz, Sales Executive
Sterling, VA
VA Movers

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“I predict a few things for 2025, one being the first improving year of demand since the massive drop in demand in 2022.”

Travis Weathers, CEO
Mesa, AZ
Rotate Digital

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"I’m optimistic because we have a new administration and I think overall there’s a positive upshift in different markets as well. I see more movers looking into more trucks, myself included.”

Vincent Perez, Owner
Las Vegas, NV
Muscle Movers Las Vegas

2. AI: The Game-Changer

For the second year in a row, movers are putting their bets on using AI.

We know AI is transforming every industry on this planet, and the most innovative movers are not willing to miss out. It’s the most inexpensive way to make huge productivity leaps and boost profit margins. From AI sales assistants and voice agents to automatic note-taking and CRM updates, AI’s rapid adoption will likely redefine how moving companies operate.

“I think AI is going to be the game-changer for moving companies of all sizes especially as the next generations start to become the business owners. Companies that adapt are going to pull ahead, and the ones that don't are gonna have a rough time keeping up.”

James Bradley, Owner
Cookeville, TN
Bradley’s Best Moving Company

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“I believe Voice Agents powered by AI will be a major technology trend for moving companies in 2025, particularly for handling after-hours and weekend calls. These systems can efficiently capture and record customer information during off-hours and integrate it directly into automations. This capability allows moving companies to respond faster and secure more business, ensuring no opportunities are missed. It’s similar to how online booking transformed the hair salon industry by enabling 24/7 accessibility. AI-powered voice tools are advancing rapidly and will likely drive significant impact across many industries next year, including ours.”

Mark Miyashita, Chief Technology Officer & Cofounder
San Francisco, CA
Supermove

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"AI. AI. AI! Even just using ChatGPT can give you a leg up. Not sure why anyone else wouldn’t take advantage of the free account at least. I use it to summarize calls all the time."

Corey Diaz, Sales Executive
Sterling, VA
VA Movers

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"I think the rise of AI and virtual assistants is going to be a game-changer. Companies that can incorporate these tools effectively while keeping them in-house will have a big edge. If you get it right, this tech can make your business run smoother and help you stay ahead of the competition.”

‍Chris Knowles, Owner
Nashville, TN
True Friends Moving Company

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"I think it’s smart to always be on the lookout for new tools—anything that helps you buy back your time so you can focus on working on the business instead of getting stuck in it. Technology is inevitable, and AI is already taking over so much.”

Owen & Emmit Hugill, Owners
Elko, NV
Brothers Moving Company

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"AI call answering service will be more prevalent and normalized in the moving industry and more movers will adopt it this year."

Travis Weathers, CEO, 
Rotate Digital

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3. Diversification of Services

Even with a highly anticipated housing market recovery, experts are recommending that movers diversify their offerings and revenue streams beyond just residential relocation. From commercial moves to warehousing services, there are many ways to generate additional revenue. This shift toward flexibility could help companies prepare for economic uncertainties and cater to a broader customer base.

“We will continue to see movers and moving companies diversify their portfolios – whether this means branching out from residential household goods moves to office and industrial moves or contemplating other ways to utilize their resources such as trucks, warehouses and labor.”

Dan Hilton, Executive Director ATA MSC
American Trucking Association

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“The companies that have been willing and able to bring on different but related lines of business (enhanced move management, commercial moves, distribution, the list goes on), have seen not only increases in revenue, but also profitability, while many of those who remained solely in household goods were at the mercy of interest rates and local housing markets and saw painful declines.”

Tracy Bech, Author & Educator
Hood River, OR
60 Minute CFO

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4. Online, On-Demand, and Flexible Booking

The next generation of customers are driving demand for seamless online booking and flexible moving options. Companies offering quick, user-friendly online tools for estimates and scheduling will dominate. 

“I see a shift toward online booking for smaller, straightforward moves. Gen Z and Millennials—the Uber and DoorDash generation—value speed and simplicity. They don’t want lengthy phone calls for estimates; they want convenience. We’re not talking about complex moves requiring in-home estimates or detailed planning. Those will always need a personalized touch. But smaller jobs, like a single item move, small apartments, or quick local runs, could be streamlined and booked online. This enables companies to reduce sales friction, capture new customers, and set the standard for a modern, efficient moving experience.”

Matthew Young, Owner
iHaul iMove & MovingLetters.AI

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“I'm predicting more flexible and on demand moving services.  The demand for flexibility in services will grow. People will expect more on-demand options, including the ability to schedule moves with less notice, request a variety of additional services (e.g. cleaning, geek squad, temporary storage), and pricing models that reflect their specific needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.”

Ryan Marsh, Former Moving Sales Executive
Elmira, NY
Supermove

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"We’re going to see more demand for convenience, like online estimates and quick responses. Technology’s playing a bigger role, but the basics still matter—showing up on time, handling their belongings with care, and making the process as stress-free as possible. Those old-school values will always set you apart."

Taylor Bunch, Owner
Nashville, TN
Move it or Lose it

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“Every company should be doing virtual walkthroughs as well.”

Mark A. , Owner
Atlanta, GA
Local Moving Company 

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“We're seeing a big shift toward "split service" moves. More customers are handling their own packing to save money. I expect this trend to keep growing as folks look for ways to stretch their moving budget. Companies that really push that they offer multiple options, and maybe guides that show how to pack professionally to help out and stick out with their marketing”

James Bradley, Owner
Cookeville, TN 
Bradley’s Best Moving Company

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5. Eliminate Redundant Work via Automation & Virtual Staffing 

Automation will empower movers to reduce admin work, overhead costs and secure more business without additional staffing. It’s a big opportunity to reduce costs while scaling office operations. Paired with automation, virtual staffing solutions are gaining momentum to allow movers to scale efficiently without sacrificing quality.

“One big trend I see for 2025 is moving companies embracing automation to simplify their sales and operations. It’s not about replacing people, it’s about making their jobs easier. Automation can handle things like following up with leads, sending reminders, or even providing instant quotes, so movers can focus on delivering great service and booking more jobs. It’s like having an assistant that never sleeps, allowing companies to get more done with a smaller team and skip fewer steps in the process.”

Ethan Konkus, Managing Partner
North Carolina
Elevate Moving Sales LLC

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"Virtual assistants for sure. I’ve been looking into it, I think I’ll need some help with the phones going into Spring and Summer. To at least help answer the call and schedule the appointments for me.” 

Vincent Perez, Owner
Las Vegas, NV
Muscle Movers Las Vegas

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“I believe we’ll see a rapid shift to virtual staffing solutions as owners seek smarter, more affordable ways to:

1. Reduce admin overload caused by new tech, scheduling, and paperwork.

2. Meet rising customer expectations without sacrificing service quality.

3. Lower operational costs while scaling efficiently.

At Big League Movers, implementing virtual staffing saved us 15+ admin hours per week, streamlined lead follow-ups, and improved customer experience by closing gaps in communication. That’s the power of leveraging trained virtual assistants tailored to our industry.

As technology evolves and customers demand faster, better service, virtual staffing will no longer be optional—it will be a competitive advantage for those who adopt it early.”

Steven Reed, CEO
Memphis, TN
Big League Movers

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"I think there's going to be a wakeup call, and there is going to be a lot of people waking up and spending too much money on employees. I think the virtual assistant thing is a neat idea but ultimately if they do it, I think it’s only a matter of time before they realize they’re wasting time and money to an extent. Moving companies should focus on more automation. 

Mark A. , Owner
Atlanta, GA
Local Moving Company 

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"I think the trends are scary but AI is going to take over. I don’t personally like it or have the confidence in it yet. We got the CRMS and those were great but I  just don’t think AI is going to have the personal touch you need in moving sales. Using virtual assistants overseas has seen a huge increase as well."

Ted Cotter, Owner
Reseda, CA
Inside Moves Relocation Services

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“I personally expect the industry to adopt AI-driven automation as the number one trend. This will absolutely enhance operational efficiency and personalization in customer service. The use of AI for automating tasks such as route optimization, inventory management, and even customer interactions will be game-changing.  AI can also improve operational workflows by streamlining scheduling, logistics, and customer support, all the while reducing costs and enhancing the customer experience.”

Ryan Marsh, Former Moving Sales Executive
Elmira, NY
Supermove

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6. To Peak or Not to Peak

The past two years were perceived as record lows for how peak season plays out in the moving industry. Is that set to change or like the economy, do we expect a slight uptick?

"We just got started in the business, and this past peak season was our first—and we already did incredibly well. Honestly, I think this next peak season is going to be absolutely huge. With the momentum we’ve built and everything we’ve learned, we’re set to take it to another level.”

Owen & Emmit Hugill, Owners
Elko, NV
Brothers Moving Company

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"Next year’s looking like a big one for the moving industry, especially when we hit peak season. I’m expecting we’ll see numbers bounce back to what we had in 2021, which was a great year for the business. A lot of this has to do with the new administration coming in.

Chris Knowles, Owner
Nashville, TN
True Friends Moving Company

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“For decades, the moving industry has relied on a peak and non-peak seasonal model. It placed massive pressure on moving companies to maximize their performance during the summer months. However, after studying Google Trends data over the past 5 years, I see a new trend emerging. There are smaller peaks of busy seasons growing outside of summer. This enforces movers to invest in operational and sales efficiency for year-round productivity, and even better— year-round revenue generation. Be the moving company that doesn’t slow down during winter and fall seasons. 

‍Arabi Siva, VP Marketing
Toronto, ON
Supermove

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7. Balancing Budgets and Quality

Economic caution among consumers in 2025 will require movers to balance affordability with exceptional service. Companies that maintain efficiency while delivering high-quality experiences will stand out in a competitive market. 

"I think 2025 will be all about balancing tight budgets with quality service. People will still be moving, but they’ll be more cautious with how they spend. The companies that can deliver value without cutting corners are the ones that’ll stay busy. It’s gonna be about working smart and keeping customers happy."

Taylor Bunch, Owner
Nashville, TN
Move it or Lose it

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8. Escaping the Lead Buying Rat Race

Exclusive leads are becoming the norm, and movers need to adapt. Investing in organic growth will pay dividends in a competitive landscape.

“In 2025, it’s going to be more important than ever to have a steady stream of organic leads coming in. With the big shift in January requiring lead providers to offer exclusive leads only, buying leads is going to get even more expensive and competitive for movers. Those days of getting dirt cheap leads shared with five or six other companies are over. The movers who put in the effort to build their organic traffic will be the ones who thrive. We work with companies pulling in six figures monthly without buying a single lead. Get your Google Business Profile in shape. If you’ve got 200+ positive reviews on google, you will get calls. Once you’re generating organic traffic, you’ve officially escaped the rat race of lead buying.”

Ethan Konkus, Managing Partner
North Carolina
Elevate Moving Sales LLC

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“Those that are found on the top spots of Google will win bigger than those not found online”

Travis Weathers, CEO
Mesa, AZ 
Rotate Digital

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9. Investing in Your People

Employee development and retention will be central to success in 2025. As moving companies continue to battle high labor costs, hiring and retention challenges, there is a path forward for maximizing the performance of small but mightier teams. By focusing on training, performance metrics, and incentives to build a strong, motivated team, it will translate directly to improved customer satisfaction.

“In 2025, the moving industry will place a stronger emphasis on employee development and culture-building. Companies are realizing that happy, well-trained employees directly translate to better customer experiences. We’ll see more investment in training programs, performance scorecards, and innovative incentives to build strong, motivated teams. The movers that win next year will be the ones who prioritize their people as much as their profits."

Chad Coatney, Owner
Venice, FL
Master Movers

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10. Scaling with Technology

This industry is no longer envisioning a tech-driven future. That has become the reality.

"I predict that within the next five years, we’ll see a $10–$100 million moving company operated by a single individual. This will be made possible by leveraging advanced technology to automate operations, manage workflows, and scale efficiently with fewer crews and trucks. The shift toward streamlined, tech-driven businesses will transform the moving industry, enabling smaller teams—or even individuals—to achieve what once required large, resource-intensive organizations."

‍Wonjun Jeong, Founder & CEO
San Francisco, CA
Supermove

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"I think it'll be more the same of last year. I think people have high expectations but next year is going to be more of the same. The ones that have buttoned up over the year are going to be fine. The ones overextending are going to be hurt, they're going to struggle.”

Mark A. , Owner
Atlanta, GA
Local Moving Company